Kinesiology degree leads Westbrook to a rewarding career at Blinn

As Coordinator of Campus Recreation, Westbrook oversees Blinn's 36,000-square-foot student recreation center

August 15, 2024

Kristen Westbrook’s journey from a passionate “gym rat” to the Coordinator of Campus Recreation at the Blinn College-Brenham Campus is a testament to the diverse career paths a kinesiology degree can offer.

As a Brenham native and a proud Blinn alumna, Westbrook has come full circle, shaping the recreational experiences of Blinn students while showcasing the endless possibilities a degree in kinesiology can provide.

After earning her Associate of Arts in Kinesiology from Blinn in 2008, Westbrook was well-prepared for the next steps in her education and career. Blinn’s kinesiology program equips students with essential knowledge about the human body and a solid foundation in core subjects such as personal and community health, the foundations of kinesiology, first aid, physical fitness and wellness, and drug use and abuse. These courses prepare students for advanced studies at four-year institutions, paving the way for a wide range of professional opportunities.

Westbrook transferred to Texas State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 2010. She then joined Blinn College in 2011 and later completed her master’s degree in sports management from Texas A&M University in 2017.

“The kinesiology courses I took at Blinn prepared me for the future,” she said. “It was an easy transition to a four-year university and my professors were impressed by how much background I was bringing from Blinn.”

Westbrook said Blinn helped her discover the variety of career paths available to kinesiology graduates.

“It opened my eyes to other opportunities,” she said.

Blinn College’s Kruse Center, where Westbrook now coordinates campus recreation activities, serves as the crown jewel of the College’s student life. Opened in 2017, the 36,000-square-foot Kruse Center offers a comprehensive fitness experience, including a full cardio and weight room, an open gym for basketball and volleyball, an indoor track, a conference room, and a multi-purpose room. The facility also hosts Blinn’s intramural sports, ranging from basketball and volleyball to flag football, soccer, and even video gaming.

“You don’t usually see a facility like this at the community college level,” Westbrook said. “We’re able to offer a wide variety of activities, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help students grow through these experiences.”

The Kruse Center is also home to Blinn’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams and is open to the public through community memberships. Westbrook takes pride in fostering a safe and welcoming environment for students, ensuring they have the resources to thrive both physically and mentally.

“I love my job,” Westbrook shared. “Working with students and seeing them develop is the most rewarding part of what I do. We strive to make the Kruse Center a place where everyone feels safe and supported.”

For more information about Blinn’s Kinesiology Program, please visit www.blinn.edu/kinesiology.

To learn more about the Kruse Center and other student activities available on the Blinn-Brenham Campus, visit www.blinn.edu/student-leadership-activities/brenham.